ESPN Backlash Grows After Monica McNutt’s Druski Jersey Blunder
This morning (August 16), ESPN’s First Take delivered one of the most talked-about live TV moments of the year. Popular internet comedian Druski appeared on the show rocking a Detroit Lions jersey. But when Monica McNutt confidently identified the “Sanders” nameplate and number 20 as a nod to Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders, Druski had to step in. He corrected her in real time, explaining it was a Barry Sanders jersey, not Shedeur’s. The internet wasted no time replaying the slip and mocking ESPN’s credibility, sending the clip viral.
Monica McNutt Mistakes Barry Sanders Jersey For Shedeur Sanders
The moment unfolded with McNutt gesturing at Druski’s jersey, saying: “The jersey, let’s get into it, because obviously this ties to one Shedeur Sanders.” Druski quickly cut her off: “No, no, no. This is Barry Sanders.” The mix-up hit harder because Barry Sanders is one of the most recognizable Hall of Famers in NFL history. Meanwhile, Shedeur Sanders has never worn number 20 — or played for the Lions. McNutt immediately backtracked, but the gaffe spread across X (formerly Twitter) within minutes.
Barry Sanders’ Legacy Makes Mistake Stand Out
Barry Sanders played for the Detroit Lions from 1989 to 1998, dominating as one of the greatest running backs in history. His elusive style and shocking retirement in his prime made his No. 20 jersey an NFL classic. The jersey Druski wore — flipped backward for comedic flair — was unmistakable in its silver and blue Lions colors. That such an iconic piece of football history could be mistaken for Shedeur Sanders highlighted the gravity of McNutt’s error, especially on a show where sports knowledge is expected.
Shedeur Sanders Hype at ESPN Adds Fuel
Shedeur Sanders, son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, has been one of ESPN’s most heavily promoted young stars. As a rookie quarterback now with the Cleveland Browns, Shedeur wears No. 2 and has quickly become a marketable name tied to his father’s “Prime Time” legacy. Critics argue ESPN often forces Shedeur into unrelated discussions, and McNutt’s error symbolized how far the network has gone to push his brand. Viewers felt the blunder was a byproduct of ESPN overhyping storylines instead of sticking to accuracy.
ESPN’s Credibility Questioned After First Take Segment
For ESPN, this wasn’t just a slip-up — it became a credibility crisis. First Take is the network’s flagship debate show, anchored by Stephen A. Smith, where sharp takes and deep knowledge are expected. Seeing a host confuse Barry Sanders for Shedeur Sanders in front of millions felt like a breach of trust. Online critics immediately blasted ESPN for prioritizing entertainment and viral moments — such as booking Druski — over substance. Some fans framed it as the latest example of the “TMZ-ification” of sports media.
Viral Reactions From X Amplify Backlash
The original post from @NFLRT racked up over 1.5 million views and nearly 9,000 likes within hours. Reactions ranged from humor to outrage:
- “She said that with 10000000% confidence” one fan joked, earning nearly 1,000 likes.
- Others called it “a termination level offense,” questioning why ESPN hires analysts who can’t recognize an NFL legend’s jersey.
- Conservative commentators tied the gaffe to ESPN’s focus on “woke” hiring, with one viral post reading: “13% of the population. 100% of ESPN’s focus.”
- Barstool’s Dave Portnoy called the mistake “next level embarrassing,” while Outkick’s Clay Travis labeled it a “cardinal sin of not knowing ball.”
Druski’s calm correction, mixed with Stephen A. Smith’s stunned silence, made the clip even more shareable, driving the backlash.
McNutt’s History of Controversy Resurfaces
This isn’t Monica McNutt’s first brush with controversy. In a past interview, she drew fire after suggesting WNBA star Caitlin Clark’s popularity was tied to being “a White girl from the middle of America.” Critics accused her of bias, and the comment has continued to resurface in discussions of her credibility. Combined with the Druski jersey incident, detractors argue McNutt represents a new ESPN that values hot takes and social narratives over deep sports knowledge.
What This Means For ESPN Moving Forward
The incident raises bigger questions about ESPN’s direction under Disney’s ownership. As the network mixes comedians like Druski into core programming and leans on celebrity-driven narratives, long-time viewers feel alienated. With ratings for First Take already under scrutiny, moments like McNutt’s mix-up risk driving away hardcore sports fans. At the same time, ESPN faces a balancing act — chasing viral moments and cultural relevance while trying to maintain authority as the “worldwide leader in sports.”
What ESPN Can Do To Win The Next Moment (Without Losing The Viral Ones)
- Prep the pop-culture segments like a pregame show. If you’re booking a guest whose brand is virality, build a one-sheet of potential visual cues (like jerseys) and quick checks (“If jersey says 20/Lions, that’s Barry”). It’s not about dumbing down; it’s about de-risking live TV.
- Empower the booth to fact-tag in real time. A lower-third graphic—“Barry Sanders • Lions RB • HOF”—flashes the second a jersey enters the conversation. On air, that’s a parachute.
- Let the correction breathe. One beat of acknowledgment (“My bad, Barry Sanders. Druski, talk to us about why you chose it.”) both humanizes the host and pivots the segment toward context, not cringe.
- Keep booking Druski-type guests. He didn’t create the mistake; he helped save the moment. When you pair cultural heavyweights with sport, you get reach and relevance—if the table knows its basics.
Where Monica McNutt fits after the clip
McNutt is efficient, capable, and comfortable on camera—part of why ESPN elevates her across sports. The right takeaway isn’t “don’t put her on NFL topics,” it’s “tighten the safety net.” Analysts cross sports all the time; what audiences reject is confidently wrong. The good news for her: this is the kind of lapse that’s easily erased by stringing together clean, informed hits the rest of the week.
The Bottom Line
A viral clip doesn’t define a network, a host, or a guest. But this particular one—Druski correcting Monica McNutt on a Barry-vs-Shedeur jersey live on ESPN—landed at the intersection of everything modern sports media wrestles with: star power, speed, expertise, and the internet’s hair-trigger judgment.
Handled well, it becomes a one-day meme and a footnote in next week’s rundown. Handled poorly, it hardens into a storyline about credibility at the exact moment fans are deciding which feeds to trust when the games start to count.
Today, the jersey was the story. Tomorrow, it’ll be the tape. And on ESPN, the tape always rolls again.
The post Druski checks Monica McNutt on ESPN after Shedeur Sanders, Barry Sanders jersey mix-up [VIDEO] appeared first on Hip Hop Vibe.
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